A flat can happen anywhere. It can happen on a busy highway, a quiet street, or even in your driveway. It’s unsettling at first, but once you know the steps, it’s manageable. That’s why changing a flat tire is a skill every driver should learn. It helps you stay calm, safe, and in control, and it can save time and money because you don’t always have to wait for help.
Below, you’ll find a clear, straightforward guide on why tire repair matters and how to change a flat tire.
Please read on!
Why is it important to get your tire changed?
A damaged tire isn’t just annoying; it’s unsafe. Even a small nail or cut can turn into a blown tire if you keep driving without flat tire repair. Continuing to drive on a flat can also damage the rim, and that repair can cost far more than the typical tire repair cost.
A healthy tire preserves traction. When a tire is damaged, grip drops, and skids become more likely on wet roads. Timely tire repair or replacing the tire when an immediate fix isn’t safe keeps you in control and protects your wheel. It also helps preserve remaining tread depth, preventing further damage and extending usable life.
How to change a flat tire in 8 Steps
Changing a flat tire is easier than it seems. You have to follow the simple step-by-step instructions below.
Step 1: Move to a safe spot
As soon as you realize you have a flat:
- You should slow down and turn on your hazard lights.
- Next, pull over to a safe, flat, and stable spot.
An ideal place would be a parking lot, a wide shoulder, or a quiet road. Try to avoid soft ground, hills, or narrow high-speed areas. Remember, your safety comes first.
If it’s a small leak and the tire isn’t entirely flat, you could repair it without changing it. See our guide on fixing a flat tire.
Step 2: Secure the vehicle (parking brake & wheel wedges)
After you stop, set the parking brake to prevent the car from rolling, especially on uneven ground. Then place wheel wedges (or blocks of wood or bricks) to lock the opposite end:
- If the front tire is flat, put wedges behind the rear tires.
- If the rear tire is flat, put wedges in front of the front tires.
Step 3: Get the spare tire and tools
Open the trunk and take out the spare tire, jack, and lug wrench (some cars include a small tool kit). Your spare may be a full-size wheel or a smaller “donut” tire; either one will get you back on the road. Before you continue, give the spare a quick check to make sure it has air; a flat spare won’t help.
Step 4: Loosen the Lug Nuts
If your wheel has a hubcap or wheel cover, pry it off to expose the lug nuts. You should use the flat end of the wrench to pry it off. If there’s a locking lug nut, use the lock key.
Loosen the flat tire’s lug nuts with the wrench. You should turn counterclockwise (to the left). Do not remove them yet; crack them loose about a turn. If the nuts are tight, lean your weight on the wrench or gently press with your foot. It is easiest while the wheel is still on the ground.
Step 5: Use the jack to raise the car
Once you have loosened all the lug nuts on your flat tire, it’s time to place the jack under the car. It’s important to place the jack at the proper jack point next to the flat tire (often marked on the frame). Then lift the vehicle until the flat tire is off the ground. Lift it high enough to remove it and install the spare easily. You should never put your hands or feet under the vehicle while it’s raised.
Step 6: Remove the flat tire
Now, finish removing the lug nuts and keep them in a safe spot so they don’t roll away. Pull the flat tire straight toward you off the studs. It may feel heavy, but it should slide off with a little effort. Then, lay the tire flat on the ground to one side so it can’t roll.
Step 7: Put on the spare tire
Lift the spare tire and align the holes with the studs, then push the wheel on until it seats fully. Next, hand-tighten the lug nuts. It should be snug, but not fully tight. After that, lower the car gently until the tire contacts the ground. Now, you need to really tighten the lug nuts so that the wheel sits evenly and stays secure. Use the wrench.
Step 8: Double-check everything
Once the wheel is tight and the jack is removed, give everything a final check. Make sure the lug nuts are snug and the spare is secure, then stow your tools and the flat tire in the trunk. For the first few miles, drive slowly. Spare tires aren’t meant for long distances or high speeds. And, if your spare is a donut, head straight to a 24-hour tire shop to repair or replace the damaged tire.
Conclusion
With some practice, it’s easy to learn how to change a flat tire and get moving again. The most important thing is to stay calm, pull over at a safe spot, and follow the steps above.
If you’re not confident or the conditions aren’t safe, seek roadside assistance instead. The goal is simple: protect yourself, your wheel, and your car.
You can also use the iTOWu app, a 24/7 roadside service for tire repair/change, vehicle towing, battery jump-starts, and car lockout help.